Chrysanthemum plant named Mon Ami

ABSTRACT

A Chrysanthemum plant named Mon Ami particularly characterized by its decorative capitulum type; white ray floret color; and, diameter across face of capitulum of 70 mm.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofChrysanthemum, botanically known as Dendranthema morifolium, Ramat.,previously Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ramat., and referred to by thecultivar name Mon Ami.

Mon Ami was originated from a spontaneous mutation of the unpatentedcultivar Pink Pompon. Mon Ami was discovered and selected as oneflowering plant within a group of flowering plants of the cultivar PinkPompon by Jacques C. M. Van der Knaap in April of 1981 in a controlledenvironment in De Lier, The Netherlands.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Mon Ami was accomplished whenvegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in August of1983 in a controlled environment in De Lier, The Netherlands by atechnician working under formulations established and supervised byJacques C. M. Van der Knaap. Horticultural examination of selected unitsinitiated in November of 1981 has demonstrated that the combination ofcharacteristics as herein disclosed for Mon Ami are firmly fixed and areretained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Mon Ami has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in De Lier, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions whichapproximate those generally used in commercial greenhouse practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Mon Ami which, in combination, distinguishthis Chrysanthemum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Decorative capitulum.

2. White ray floret color with yellowing in center.

3. Diameter across face of capitulum of 70 mm.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the mostsimilar in comparison to Mon Ami is Pink Pompon, the parent cultivar. Incomparison to Pink Pompon, Mon Ami has white petals instead of pink, thecenter of the flower is less dense and the leaves are a darker green.The response, capitulum form and capitulum type of Mon Ami are similarto those same characteristics of Pink Pompon.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows typical inflorescence andfoliage characteristics of Mon Ami. The photograph is in black andwhite, with two flowers being colored to accurately depict ray and discfloret colors.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determinedbetween 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in October of 1983 under natural daylight at De Lier, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dendranthema morifolium, Ramat., cv Mon Ami.

Commercial.--Cut pompon.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Decorative.

Diameter across face.--70 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--White.

Color (upper surface).--RHS 155D, with yellowing of florets in center.

C. Corolla of disc florets: Insignificant.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Not present.

Gynoecium.--Present in ray florets; numerous.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--90 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--RHS 137C.

Color (under surface).--RHS 138B.

Shape.--Long lobed and serrated.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named Mon Ami, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized by its decorative capitulum type; white ray floret color; and diameter across face of capitulum of 70 mm. 